SOUL. Life’s Purpose?

I recently listened to a podcast on the Huberman Lab that left me with some profound food for thought. In a two hour and thirty minute conversation with Dr. James Hollis, Ph.D., a Jungian analyst, educator, and author, he and Stanford professor Andrew Huberman discuss finding one’s unique purpose. It is worth a listen, and likely a re-listen, as it was in my case.

During the interview, Dr. Hollis discusses his personal and professional experience and theories on psychopathology — quite literally meaning the expression of the suffering of the soul. In medicine, we view psychopathology in diagnostic criteria via a manual called the DSM V to diagnose anxiety, depression, etc. From Dr. Hollis’ perspective, these symptoms are merely a manifestation of a conflict within reaches that point where the suffering of the soul is sufficient, perhaps enough so to make a change (cue “mid-life crisis” of whatever variety here).

Throughout, Dr. Hollis suggests thought-provoking questions and suggestions to help us get closer to what life purpose may mean for health of the soul.

“The soul is a metaphor for the organic wisdom of that natural being that we are, for this purposeful expression of the organism.” - Dr. James Hollis

Link to the episode is here.